I know. It's barely August and here I am already thinking about the holidays. Well, I sorta have to. Since I am making a good portion of (read - ALL-) of the Christmas presents that are going to be handed out this year, I need to get a full head start, so that come November I'm not panicking with only a few things done. This year I'm thinking some cross-stitches (I found a great book at the local library that has some designs from Ed Hardy!), a few purses/bags made from old jeans, some felties, and other found objects that can be turned into art/crafts. Since our budget has become drastically reduced with my becoming a SAHM, I have to be really thoughtful about what I am going to be spending our money on. Unfortunately, mostly that will only be on the house and living expenses...Christmas presents and the like are going to have to be produced using alternative methods. Luckily, I'm handy with a needle and a sewing machine and I have a TON of imagination, so I'm thinking that I will be OK when it comes to creating fun things for family and friends. Now, I just have to make my lists, gather the supplies from around the house, and get started! Thankfully, due to my non-idle hands, I've already got some things underway.
Harvest time is quickly coming upon us and I'm noticing that I'm starting to get a little overwhelmed with all the prepping that comes with getting things canned for the winter. And most of it isn't even from my garden!! Most of everything that I've been getting have been from friends and family. Now, granted, I'm doing up my own jalapenos (to make jalapeno jelly) and roasted chilies, but I have also received a ton of crabapples from a neighbor and some pears from my parents. We are not going to be hurting for fruit this winter it seems. Which is a good thing...now if I could just figure out how to get my hands on some meat to stuff my freezer with...
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